The Air Force Combat-Related Special Compensation program is managed by the USAF Physical Disability Division of the Air Force Personnel Center. The CRSC board is made up of former military and civilian personnel whose experiences include war-time duties, flying duties and medical training. The review board conducts a detailed analysis of your application to determine if in-service evidence exists to confirm your conditions were the direct result of a combat-related event or injury. If so, the board will authorize a special monthly payment to you called CRSC.

COMBAT RELATED DISABILITIES

Department of Defense guidance defines a combat-related disability in one of the three following ways:

1. A Purple Heart disability, which is a disability with an assigned medical diagnosis code from the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities, or VASRD, that was attributed to injuries for which the member was awarded a Purple Heart.
2. One with an assigned medical diagnosis code from the VASRD that was:
   * incurred as a direct result of armed conflict;
   * as a result of hazardous service;
   * in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; or
   * through an instrumentality of war.
3. One with an assigned medical diagnosis code from the VASRD that was deemed presumptive or “presumed” by the VA to be incurred as a result of combat operations.

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APPLYING FOR CRSC

To apply for CRSC, you must first determine your eligibility; then complete an application for CRSC, using DD Form 2860,Application for Combat-Related Special Compensation.

CRSC APPROVAL

Once CRSC claims are approved, AFPC will send approval documents to both you and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. DFAS will then calculate and begin CRSC payments within 60 to 90 working days of receiving the approval letter.

CRSC UPDATES

Agent Orange
Regulation Takes Effect for 3 More Agent Orange-related Diseases: As of October 30, 2010, eligible Vietnam-era Veterans exposed to herbicides and disabled by chronic b-cell leukemias, Parkinson’s disease, or ischemic heart disease, may begin receiving disability and health care benefits on approved claims. Vietnam Veterans may apply for disability compensation for these diseases using VA’s Fast Track Claims Processing System.

Veterans with Thailand Service: Vietnam-era Veterans who served in Thailand on or near the perimeters of military bases may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits. Learn more ….

Chapter 61 Updates
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law on Jan. 28, 2008. Guidance to implement this program was received June 9, 2008. It expanded the eligibility of CRSC to include anyone receiving military retired pay. This includes Medical Chapter 61, Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA) and Temporary Disabled Retirement List (TDRL) retirees. These new eligible components for CRSC went into effect Jan. 1, 2008. Medical and TERA retirees must still provide documentation that shows a causal link between a current VA disability and a combat-related event. To apply, individuals need to complete a DD Form 2860 with the required documentation attached. For more information, call 1-800-525-0102, Option 5, Option 1.

Combat-Related Special Compensation
CRSC is part of a legislative initiative designed to restore a veteran’s military retirement pay that has been offset (reduced) by Veterans Affairs compensation when the veteran’s disabilities are combat-related. CRSC was enacted by Congress through Public Law 107-314, Dec. 2, 2002, and later expanded under Public Law 108-136, Nov. 24, 2003.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
CRDP is similar to CRSC. It is also designed to restore military retired pay that has been offset by Veterans Affairs compensation; however, there is no combat-related requirement for this pay. To be eligible, you must have a total disability rating from the VA of 50 percent or more. CRDP is automatic, so no application is needed, but payments are on a phased-in schedule.The Defense Finance and Accounting Service manages this program.

Here’s how to get your college career off the ground:

SHOP FOR A SCHOOL.

Browse the Web, talk to friends and consult your education service officer to find out which schools have the best programs in the subject you want to pursue.

ASK ABOUT TRANSFER CREDITS.

Colleges with a track record for serving military students often give credits for your military service or training. You could already have a number of courses out of the way if you’ve picked a major related to your military occupational specialty.

LIST REQUIREMENTS.

Take a careful look at a school’s prerequisites before you send off the application. Most schools look at your high school grade-point average and SAT or ACT scores. If you haven’t already, you may need to take one of these tests.

COMPILE MATERIALS.

Some schools require essays and recommendation letters in addition to your high school transcript and test scores. You may also need to provide proof of military training to receive credit.

MAKE THE DEADLINE

Don’t delay your degree by a semester just because you didn’t check the application deadline.

Click here to learn more about GoArmyEd.

Air Force Tuition Assistance Payment
The maximum amount paid for Tuition Assistance: 100% Tuition and Fees
Not to exceed:

• $250 @ Semester Credit Hour, or
• $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour, and
• $4500 @ Fiscal Year

Application Process of Air Force Tuition Assistance
You must apply for Tuition Assistance online using the Air Force Virtual Education Center. This must be done through the Air Force Portal at https://www.my.af.mil/. There are six steps to completing the AFVEC online TA process.
The Fine Print

You will be unable to apply online for Air Force Tuition Assistance if the following applies to you:

• Missing grades over 60 days from course end date.
• Suspense dates that have expired.
• Missing personal data in the education record including: Phone, DOS, DOB, Unit, Office Symbol, Mailing Address, Email Address, base, and Education Level.
• Requesting TA for courses that start more than 30 days into the future.
• Requesting TA for courses that have already started.
• Requesting TA for lower level courses which are less than highest ed level awarded.
• No degree plan in records.
• TA is not authorized for courses leading to a lateral or lower level degree than you already possess (i.e. Second Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree).

CCAF Exception

• TA will be provided for a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree regardless of your current education level.
• TA will be provided for a civilian college associate degree even if you have a CCAF associate degree provided you do not possess a civilian associate or higher degree.
• You are no longer required to obtain your supervisor’s signature on your TA form; however, you are expected to discuss your schedule with your supervisor to ensure that participation has his/her support.

Additional Information about Air Force Tuition Assistance

After you have completed your tuition assistance form and registered for class, you may still drop/change courses without penalty as long as you notify both the base education center and the school. If you drop a course after the drop/ add period, you must still notify the base ed center and the school but you are liable for the cost of tuition, unless you qualify for waiver of tuition assistance reimbursement.

If you receive a grade of incomplete from a school, you have as much time as the school allows you to clear the incomplete or 12 months from the end of the term, whichever comes first, to clear the incomplete. If you fail to provide a grade that clears the incomplete by that time, we are obligated to recover the tuition assistance.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is for those service members that are still on active duty and will remain on active duty for the length of their enrolled classes. TA is also available to service members in all branches. One would have to check with their branch to find details about applying and qualifying for this benefit.

Why pay for career training yourself? The military will pay 100% of your tuition expenses! There is nothing standing between you and your future career. Learn about eligibility requirements by contacting Allied Schools. Click on your branch below to view tuition details and plan for a smooth military transition to civilian life:

Allied Schools also offers comprehensive Military Spouse Scholarships for all active duty member’s spouses.

Sailors applying for tuition assistance will be required to use WebTA to process all applications beginning April 15.

“WebTA allows Sailors to complete all steps in the tuition assistance and education planning process online,” said Mary Redd-Clary, the Navy’s Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director.

“In the past, Sailors could start the TA application process, but were then required to circulate a printed copy for review and approval through the chain of command. Now, Sailors and Marines can complete the entire process virtually, and the final step is the paper-based submission, in person or via fax, to one of the Navy’s 52 Navy College Offices (NCO) for delivery to the school,” said Redd-Clary.

The WebTA application must be approved by the commanding officer or authorized command delegate.

“We recommend developing an internal command review process, as that process will ensure all management controls for Sailors TA requirements are met. These requirements, such as completion of warfare qualifications, should all be reviewed prior to the commanding officer’s final approval,” said Redd-Clary.

In addition to TA application processing through WebTA, the NCP site includes tools required for Sailors to develop an interactive education plan with direct support from NCO counselors. The site also provides Sailors and counselors access to Sailor/Marine Ace Registry Transcript (SMART) records.

Sailors can also search degree plans based on their ratings. These degree plans are offered through partner schools from the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP).

“WebTA also offers commands an opportunity to provide more timely and interactive support of their Sailors as they work to identify their professional and academic pursuits,” said Redd-Clary.

For more information about the Navy College Program, visit https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.

Source: http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52441

The G.I. Bill, which was first enacted in 1944, provided college or vocation education for returning World War II veterans, or G.I.s, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. This bill enabled many returning servicemen to become competitive in the job market after serving military duty and continues today under slightly different conditions. Additionally, the Department of Defense monitors and has subsidized college tuition for active-duty service members since 1947.

Sometimes military offices do not move as fast as for-profit online universities and colleges, however. The latter institutions are competitive in enrollment, and the numbers of military personnel who have enrolled in online courses over the past few years has increased dramatically. While enrollment is increasing, concerns over the viability of online degrees has become an issue.

Online colleges and universities offer degrees to students who need flexible hours, and the online format suits military students who move frequently. Some online colleges allow transfer credits from other colleges, and enrollment can occur at any time. Plus, many online universities offer perks to military students, such as free laptops and textbooks.

At the moment, the downside to online education falls in the laps of active military personnel and veterans who want to pursue an online degree. Prospective students must take on the responsibility to learn more about the online college to discover whether that school is accredited, whether credits are transferable to other reputable colleges and if the college degree is respected in the business community.

On the upside, many online universities have gained footholds in business communities, as their degrees have become more well-respected. Don’t forget conventional universities and colleges, as they now offer many online degree programs and individual courses. These colleges often are more well-respected in the business community. Additionally, the Defense Department plans to subject online programs to review by the American Council on Education within the next year (see links below). This scrutiny will allow recruits and veterans to pick and choose among for-profit online educational degrees with confidence.

In the meantime, we offer a number of resources that can enable anyone to learn more about online universities and the military, both active personnel and veterans:

The GI Bill:

In August 2009, recipients were eligible for greatly expanded benefits, or the full cost of any public college in their state. The new bill also provides a housing allowance and $1,000 a year stipend for books, among other benefits. But, there are difficulties with this new bill. The following sites may help clarify any issues you may have with this program:

• VA GI Bill Information: This is the official Department of Veterans Affairs Web site on the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. The site lists benefit programs, tools and information as well as relevant news.
• NewGIBill.org: This entire site is dedicated to explanations about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including news and benefit information.
• New GI Bill Overview: This page on Military.com defines the details benefits of the new GI Bill.

Other VA Education Monies

• Benefit Comparison Chart: Learn about the differences among the Post-9/11 GI Bill (defined above), the Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty), the Montgomery GI Bill (Reserves) and REAP, all defined below…
• Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty: The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve: The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program: REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress.
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program: VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.

Other VA Education Benefits

• Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Free educational and vocational counseling (Chapter 36) services are provided by the VA to transitioning service members. Visit this link to learn more.
• Student Work-Study Allowance Program: If you’re a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree program, or a vocational or professional program, you can “earn while you learn” with a VA work-study allowance.
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program: The DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

Online College Accreditation

• Database of Accredited Post-secondary Institutions and Programs: Use this search engine to discover information about a college or university accreditation. Each of the post-secondary educational institutions and programs contained within the database is, or was, accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a “reliable authority as to the quality of post-secondary education” within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).
• ED.gov: This government site provides lists of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit.

Online Education Searches

• eLearners: This site breaks online education down into degrees, programs, courses and colleges. They offer information only on accredited resources.
• Online Education Database: OEDb is the original source of online accredited programs. Unlike many other online education directories, their database only lists accredited online colleges so you can be sure that these degrees will be respected by potential employers. Use their rankings to find the best online program for you.

Other Sites of Interest

• American Council on Education: The American Council on Education (ACE) is the only higher education organization that represents presidents and chancellors of all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions. Their mission is to provide leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues and to influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives.
• The Department of Defense Education Activity: DoDEA is a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is headed by a director who oversees all agency functions from DoDEA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. This site is concerned with DoDEA activities, news and data.
• Training, Education, and Career Transitions for Active Duty Military Personnel: USA.gov offers a page filled with links for career transition, training and education for active and veteran service members and their families.
• Tutor.com Military: Marine Corps and Army families have had access to this program for more than a year. Seeing the value, Defense Department officials decided to expand the this free, online tutoring service for all service members and their families.

Source: http://onlineuniversitydata.com/2010/everything-you-need-to-know-about-online-universities-the-military/comment-page-1/#comment-97

First of all, let me jump up to an answer to it, the answer is “No”, that is not true. Any active Army or their spouses are allow take any courses from schools as long as they are regionally and nationally accredited. Click here to learn more about accreditation.

But, there is one thing you need to make sure before enroll any class. Those schools or colleges must agree to take the Army TAs $250.00 per credit hour as the max they will make you pay, meaning you have no out of pocket cost as long as the tuition is $250.00 per credit hour. So lets say UCLA cost $300.00 per credit hour, and Army TA is only going to pay $250.00 per credit then which will be leaving you to cover the other $50.00 per credit hour.

For more information, please ask JAG officers at your bases.

With these jobs come many great benefits. Army civilians are DoD, Department of Defense, employees and have all the benefits of working for the federal government. Veterans, disabled veterans and military spouses are given preference when applying for the positions. Veterans are able to transfer their time in service to the Army civilian job, which is a benefit itself.

Comprehensive health and life insurance is available. Health insurance is a concern for everyone. It is a benefit that many consider before accepting a job. Army civilians are offered some of the best insurance available for the price. This also applies to dental and vision insurance as well as life insurance. While it may not be the same as those on active duty receive it is one of the best plans available.

Retirement benefits are another thing that many consider. Most Army civilians are eligible for FERS, Federal Employees Retirement System. It is three tiers and includes a basic benefit plan, a thrift savings plan and Social security benefits. The Thrift Savings Plan is similar to a 401K. Up to 13% of earnings can be contributed with up to a 5% matching contribution from the Army.

The pay is competitive with many incentives. There is paid vacation and sick leave. Paid training and education as it applies to the position may be available. There are incentives, bonuses and awards that are also available dependent on the job and performance. Across the board there are annual pay increases and locality adjustments.

There are many other benefits as well as pay, insurance and retirement. When working on an Army base many civilian employees can use the facilities that are available. This includes onsite day care and fitness facilities. Some may be approved for commissary and exchange privileges.

Army civilian jobs are available anywhere the solider serve. This includes various locations in the United States as well as abroad. For those who wish to travel and live abroad there are opportunities available. Those who are willing to take civilian jobs overseas will see special incentives and benefits. This may include living stipends or housing amongst various other benefits.

There is also the benefit of advancements. Once an Army civilian job is secured an employee can look forward to working their way up the ladder. There are opportunities for increased responsibility and management potential to those who show initiative.

Army civilian benefits are only part of the reason to secure employment with the Army. The Army depends on their support staff. They play a key role in the military mission. Without the Army civilian support staff much of what the Army does would not be accomplished. Army civilians can take great pride in that. Click here to learn more about Army tuition assistance.

Post by our guest writer.

The Navy Advanced Education Voucher Program (AEV) – This was originally created to provide advanced education opportunities for senior enlisted personnel E-7 through E-9. Geared toward superior performers who demonstrate the potential for continued upward movement, the program specifically targets assistance for post-secondary degree programs relevant to the Navy. As part of the recently announced Professional Military Education Continuum, AEV supports baccalaureate and master’s degree completion in designated areas of specialization through off-duty education.

For service members working towards a baccalaureate degree, AEV will cover 100 percent of costs for tuition, books, and other related fees. The limit on funds for each participant is $6,700 per year for a maximum of 36 months from the date of enrollment. For a master’s degree, the program will cover 100 percent of tuition, books, and related fees up to $20,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months from the time of enrollment. The total amount of funds authorized for each participant will not exceed $40,000.

Tuition Assistance – The Navy will pay up to 100 percent of your college tuition if you are an Active Duty service member. Click here to learn more about Navy Tuition Assistance.

The Service members Opportunity Colleges degree program for the Navy (SOCNAV) – This is a group of academic institutions that offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs on, or accessible to, Navy installations around the world. The colleges form networks in which each school accepts credits from all the others.

Even if the Navy transfers you many times, the SOCNAV guarantees that you can continue working towards your degree. There are also degrees that can be earned through distance learning, requiring no classroom residency.

The Navy College-At-Sea (NCPACE) – This program affords service members the chance to experience challenging education while at sea, preparing you for personal and professional growth. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are provided by 15 colleges and universities across the country.

Navy Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) – This is a commissioning program that allows Sailors to keep their benefits, pay, and privileges while they receive a scholarship to attend college to earn their degree as well as their commission as a Naval Officer.

There are also a number of Navy Education Benefit Programs, including the Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program, which offers grants and/or interest-free loans of up to $2000 for eligible active duty service members; the Navy College Fund, available to those who sign up for the Montgomery GI Bill; the Student Loan Repayment Program; the Navy College Assistance/Student Head Start Program; and the Accelerate to Excellence, a pilot program that allows enlistees to obtain an associates degree through a community or junior college as part of their initial rate training.

When most people think of education and the Army they immediately think of the GI bill, but veterans and US Army active duty personnel are entitled to more. With choices including the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), the Post Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Program (VEAP), and the Montgomery GI Bill you will be able to pursue your professional dreams with Army support. Protecting our country is an important job, and the time you give the US Army should not keep you from reaching long-term professional goals. Your Army service can actually become the doorway to an educational future that might not otherwise be in reach.

Respecting Our Army Veterans

The US Army is committed to honoring the service of its dedicated service people and has tools available to guide you step-by-step to the best choice or combination of benefit programs for you. Some of the important determining factors in selecting the right combination are the length of your active service, whether you desire to attend school full or part time, and if you need a housing allowance. Take advantage of the planning tools the Army offers on its easy to navigate site to consider different combinations.

Since the Army made changes in 1984 to the GI Bill, creating the Montgomery GI Bill, benefits available to veterans have only improved and choices expanded. In exchange for active duty US Army personnel forfeiting $100 pay per month for a year to the Montgomery GI program they receive a significantly increased educational benefit for 36 months.

The Army makes this option even more attractive by including a buy-up option. While on active duty US Army service personnel can contribute up to $600 toward their Montgomery Bill. The Army matches this contribution 8 to 1, for every dollar the service person contributes, the Army contributes 8. What investment has a return of this magnitude!

US Army Support

The Army understands the importance of having time to adjust to life outside the service. Reconnecting with family and finding jobs and housing can be a challenging adjustment when leaving. US Army veterans have up to 10 years to use these benefits. There are informal and formal educational opportunities while in the Army that simply can’t be measured.

Training experienced during your Army service would cost you thousands of dollars in the civilian world. When you add to that the significant educational support the US Army offers for its active personnel and veterans and the Army is a choice that simply can’t be beat.